COVID vaccine side effect may impact mammograms; cause needless concern
Updated Mar 04, 2021;
Posted Mar 04, 2021
In this Oct. 22, 2017 file photo, Dr. Jennifer Hadro, radiologist at Baystate Medical Center, looks at 3-D breast imaging during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
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The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines can cause lymph nodes under the arm near where the shot was given to temporarily enlarge.
As a result, radiologists were advised by their professional societies to consider this possibility when enlarged lymph nodes are detected on mammograms of women recently vaccinated.
Enlarged lymph nodes detected on a mammogram can result in a callback over breast cancer concerns and anxiety for the patient involved.